Handmade Jewelry

The largest online collection of artisan handcrafted jewelry, including pearl, turquoise and handmade silver treasures. "Please check it out for yourself and see the beauty Novica offers." - Decor & Style Magazine.

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

What makes a women’s bracelet eco-friendly?

Artisans the world over utilize the natural materials at their disposal to create beautiful, sustainable jewelry. Wood, bamboo and dried gourds. Coconut shells, rattan and terra-cotta. Even natural grasses lend themselves to a jeweler's creativity while art glass beads and pendants can be made from discarded bottles. Some artisans reclaim precious silver from photographic negatives. Colorful magazine pages can become tightly-rolled beads protected by a coat of varnish. Always creative, artists craft their bracelets out of innovative, eco-conscious materials.

How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Handmade women's bracelets each have their own unique characteristics. Color, texture, size and design all vary. Often, the technique alone will tell you, for example, hand-knotted, braided or woven bracelets. Leather bracelets with cutout motifs or embossing are usually crafted by hand.Thai jewelry by Karen silversmiths shows hand-stamped geometric or floral motifs and beads are usually made of fine silver, which is more malleable than sterling. Similarly, filigree jewelry is a meticulous handcrafted process. Most bracelets with natural, sustainable or recycled materials are handmade. Even some of the most sophisticated and modern gold and silver may be signed by the artist who made it.The most common indicator that a bracelet is handmade is the detailed and intricate design. Novica artisans demonstrate their techniques in the many videos on www.novica.com youll find the links on their product descriptions and also on the artisan bio page.

What bracelet-making techniques have been passed down through generations?

Traditional bracelet-making techniques have been passed down over generations around the world. Women's bracelets in gold and silver are usually crafted with the lost wax technique. The image is sculpted in wax and enveloped in a mold materia. As molten gold or silver is poured into the mold, the wax image melts and the metal takes its place. However coiling fine strands of metal results in Andean filigree jewelry. Balinese artistry applies polished spirals and tendrils as well as tiny globes known as jawan to sleek silver jewelry. And a few contemporary artisans even weave or crochet the slender silver strands.Jade was highly prized by the Maya and still has an important place in modern Guatemalan jewelry. Amber from the rich mines in southern Mexico adorns the women's bracelets, necklaces, and earrings of the area. Macrame and beading are popular everywhere for boho style. And West Africas handmade beadwork is renowned the world over.

Do any women’s bracelets have particular cultural significance?

women's bracelets carried immense cultural significance in ancient times and they still do. In Perus pre-Hispanic societies, gold represented the sun, and jewelry indicated social status and identity, as it also did among the Maya of Mexico and Central America. In India, bangles or kangans showed a woman was married and are a part of the 16 adornments customarily worn by a Hindu bride. Traditional West African beads are a sign of cultural identity. Each one has a meaning and tells a story.Today, women's bracelets are still culturally significant. In India, jewelry often depicts religious symbols and meditative mantras. Balinese bracelets may also depict dragons, thought to be the protectors of the gods, or the Hindu Barong deity, also a protection symbol. Motifs stamped into Karen hill tribe silver encourage living in harmony with nature. The hand-knotted bracelets of Guatemala symbolize friendship but evolved from a silent protest for loved ones missing during the country's armed conflict. Today, friends each tie a bracelet on the others arm and make a wish. The bracelet is worn until it wears out and falls off so the wish will come true.

What are the most popular materials to make women’s bracelets?

Silver, gold, brass and copper have been popular for thousands of years and are often set with colorful gemstones. Artisans in different regions of the world take advantage of unique local resources, such as Brazilian golden grass, leather and coconut shell from Thailand, and carved bone jewelry from Bali. Intricate openwork carving, known as jali, can be seen in bangles from India. West Africa has a long tradition of beadwork, with beautiful beads made from recycled glass and even plastic becoming popular in recent years.

What materials are used to make men’s rings?

Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, men's jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.

Are there any earring designs or symbols that have a particular meaning?

Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.

Are there any eco-friendly women’s earrings?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.

What materials are best for women’s earrings?

There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.

What are the most popular materials to make mens bracelets?

Traditional artisans handcraft jewelry using the techniques and materials of their ancestors. In Indonesia, the most common mens bracelet is made from Akar Baharnatural, or black, coral. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, waxed cotton threads, or natural stones adorn handmade jewelry. In Central America, the list includes: gold, brass, cord, wood, or glass. West Africa also makes use of these materials, plus wooden beads. And India incorporates gemstones into its rich history of jewelry.

Six Cool Facts About Handmade Earrings

Sterling Silver Vine Half-Hoop Earrings "Garden Waves" Earrings are one of our oldest forms of jewelry, used to signal status, rank, and function, as well as for ornamentation. Today, we may forget the rich history and meaning behind some of... read more

VILLAGE COUNCIL -Six Cool Facts About Handmade Earrings

VILLAGE COUNCIL -WOMENS EARRINGS FAQ     Earrings are one of our oldest forms of jewelry, used to signal status, rank, function, as well as for ornamentation. Today, we may forget the rich history and meaning behind some of... read more

Target Your Impact

Featured Reviews on Handmade Jewelry

Amethyst flower earrings, 'Sumatran Blossom'

By Virginia

So pretty!

The quality of the workmanship is exquisite, and the weight and size are perfect for daily wear. They have become my go-to for looking pretty and dressed up with any outfit!

Crystal and glass beaded wrap bracelet, 'Lake Harmony'

By Doris

Brilliant blue

Purchased as a gift for my daughter. This bracelet is beautiful! The blue beads are sparkling, brilliant, and a real eye catcher. She has received many compliments. It is very well made and comfortable. Wonderful workmanship.

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Peaceful Hamsa'

By Marianne

I now have my very favorite & unique earrings!

I just received my Peaceful Hamsa earrings & I am thrilled with the beautiful simplicity created by Lalana in Thailand! This is my first experience with NOVICA: I shall return & will share your positive story of empowering artisans & preserving global culture. You all spread great karma!! :)

Featured Artist

Silvana and João Alexandre

Silvana and João Alexandre Handcrafted art glass jewelry

(21)

View full collection

"Our inspiration comes from nature, from beauty, from people, from experience but, above all, from the will to do and live from art."

João Alexandre and Silvana met through mutual friends. They developed a friendship and later started dating. Today, they are a couple united and determined to make a living from their art and crafts. Theirs is a marriage of bodies, souls and ideas.

They were born in Rio Grande do Sul... read more

Stress-Free Holiday Gift Ideas on a Budget

Are you looking for that unique gift for a dear friend or family member that will be enjoyed and appreciated... read more

The Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Believe in Spreading the Love

The Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Fine Silver and Pearl Earrings, "Splendor and Brilliance"... read more

How To Choose Special Gifts That Say Be My Valentine

How to choose gifts that say be my valentine is a yearly tradition that doesnt have to be difficult. Sure... read more

Birthstone Jewelry for Mom: 3 Heartwarming Gift Ideas

It's not hard to see why birthstones have been such a popular gift for generations. Besides being an... read more

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Mother’s Day Present

Buying gifts for my mother has often been a daunting task. I am fortunate to have a very close relationship... read more

The Allure of Turquoise – December’s Birthstone

A gentle breeze caresses your face as your bare feet sink into the warm grains of the golden sand with each... read more

About Handcrafted Jewelry

Men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry since long before the age of reason! Garlands of flowers, bracelets of woven grass, shells, and stone; such were the first decorations to beautify the human body. We may have been wearing jewelry as far back as 75,000 years ago - 30,000 years earlier than previously believed - according to a recent report by National Geographic News. Over the millennia, jewelry styles and materials have evolved in step with the advances of civilization. From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution (and seemingly back again!), jewelry styles have transformed, modernized, and then often returned to their most basic forms and essential elements.

Tips and Resources

Artisan Jewelry Feature: The Inspiration and Challenges of a Handmade Jewelry Artisan

Fermin Vilcapoma discusses talent, passion, determination, and the business savvy that can help a handmade jewelry designer achieve international success. Vilcapoma's interesting handcrafted jewelry designs feature top grade silver from Peru and are embellished with a range of beautiful gemstones. Many of his handmade jewelry designs feature a distinctly Andean perspective, and they are bold and classic at the same time. Born in Lima, Peru, Master Jeweler Fermin Vilcapoma traces his beginnings as a silversmith to age eleven, when, after school, he first began helping his father at the family's workshop. "I attended school in the morning, but I was always daydreaming, creating new designs," Vilcapoma recalls... [continued]

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Handmade Jewelry

The largest online collection of artisan handcrafted jewelry, including pearl, turquoise and handmade silver treasures. "Please check it out for yourself and see the beauty Novica offers." - Decor & Style Magazine.

Pendants

Brooches

Anklets

Jewelry Sets

Special Collections

Bohemian Jewelry

Bridal Jewelry

Animal Themed

Eco-friendly Jewelry

Guanabara Bay

Circular Modernity

Circular Modernity in Blue

Smooth Seas

Layers of Ocean

Locked in Love

Blue Sonata

Beautiful Blue Goddess

Besakih Garden

Khao Luang Belle

Round Sun

Tranquil Sky

Honey Drops

Blue Eclipse

Heart in the Moon

Hill Tribe Roses

Sumatran Blossom

Twirling

Morse Code Hope

Sublime

Curls

Queen of Diamonds

Petite Camellia

Celebrate Creativity

Lake Harmony

Magical Mitla

Seaside

Naturally Pink

Swing and Sway

Fascinating Blades

Persephone

Blue Crowns

Floral Chakra

Bali Pear

Mazahua Lovebirds

Moonlight Sand

Follow the Dream

Tropical Elite

Mayan Circle of Love

Solola Spring

Marquise Princess

Violet Forest

Grape Lover

Glittering Pear

Volcanic Fire

Blue Sparkle

Pieces of the Sea

Red Rose of Autumn

By the Moon in Silver

Commander in Dark Brown

Stacked Color

Beacon of Light

Orange Eclipse

Green Eclipse

Mood Lift in Purple

Mood Lift in Peach

Bubble Stars in Light Blue

Meadow Goddess

Moon Goddess

Endless Rain

Fascinating Rose

Blue Acorn

Delightful Cat

Cool Infinity in Brown

Cool Infinity in Red